ETIDIOH - NEW

ABSTRACT Background In 2021, the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b Avian Influenza Viruses (AIVs) emerged on the American continent. At the same time, a further global spread took place. Infections have been reported in avian species as well as in over 50 mammalian species in 26 countries , and often result in severe disease with notable neurological pathology . Outbreaks in dairy cattle in the United States in 2024 illustrate viral transmission at a non-traditional interface and cross-species transmission. This development raises significant global concern regarding the virus's potential for wider spread. Given that H5N1 infections in birds reached record-high levels in Germany by late 2022, it is important to investigate whether Influenza A Virus (IAV) infections were also occurring in mammals sharing habitats with wild birds. Methods and Results Selected wild and domestic mammal populations were monitored over a two-year period (from January 2022 to December 2023), which coincided with a majo...

Abstract We measured stability of infectious influenza A(H5N1) virus in irradiated raw milk and wastewater and on surfaces . We found a relatively slow decay in milk , indicating that contaminated milk and fomites pose transmission risks . Although the risk is low, our results call for caution in milk handling and disposal from infected cattle. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/4/24-1615_article ____

The antiviral drug tecovirimat used without other antivirals did not reduce the time to clinical resolution of clade II mpox lesions or improve pain control among adults in an international clinical trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The trial enrollment was stopped in late 2024 when an interim analysis showed that tecovirimat monotherapy was ineffective in the study population. Detailed results were presented at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in San Francisco. “This study brought us a step forward in better understanding mpox disease and potential treatment strategies,” said Jeanne Marrazzo, M.D., M.P.H., director of NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which sponsored and funded the trial. “We are grateful to the study team and participants for their contributions to groundbreaking research on a disease that we still do not know enough about.” Mpox is caused by a virus that spreads ...

 A turkeys-for-fattening farm in Bayern Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6328 ____

Significance To date, no study has investigated the relationships between air pollutants and the progression of COVID-19 , nor the potential role of genetic susceptibility on the associations. This large population-based cohort study investigates the associations between air pollutants and genetic susceptibility, both individually and in combination, with the risk of COVID-19-related outcomes. It involves 458,396 participants from UK Biobank and demonstrates that air pollutants interact with host genetic susceptibility in both multiplicative and additive manners, thereby influencing the risk of COVID-19 severity. This study with cutting-edge methods provides robust evidence for the interplay between environmental and genetic factors on COVID-19 outcomes. Abstract The relationships between air pollution, genetic susceptibility, and COVID-19-related outcomes, as well as the potential interplays between air pollution and genetic susceptibility, remain largely unexplored. The Cox proportio...

Abstract Oropouche fever is caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV; Bunyaviridae , Orthobunyavirus), one of the most frequent arboviruses that infect humans in the Brazilian Amazon . This year, an OROV outbreak was identified in Brazil , and its vertical transmission was reported, which was associated with fetal death and microcephaly. We describe the clinical manifestations identified in three cases of congenital OROV infection with confirmed serology (OROV-IgM) in the mother-newborn binomial . One of the newborns died , and post-mortem molecular analysis using real-time RT-qPCR identified the OROV genome in several tissues . All three newborns were born in the Amazon region in Brazil , and the mothers reported fever, rash, headache, myalgia, and/or retro-orbital pain during pregnancy . The newborns presented with severe microcephaly secondary to brain damage and arthrogryposis , suggestive of an embryo/fetal disruptive process at birth . Brain and spinal images identified overlapping su...

Abstract During 2023-2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from clade 2.3.2.1c caused human infections in Cambodia and from clade 2.3.4.4b caused human infections in the Americas . We assessed the susceptibility of those viruses to approved and investigational antiviral drugs . Except for 2 viruses isolated from Cambodia , all viruses were susceptible to M2 ion channel-blockers in cell culture-based assays. In the neuraminidase inhibition assay , all viruses displayed susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral drugs oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, laninamivir , and AV5080. Oseltamivir was ≈4-fold less potent at inhibiting the neuraminidase activity of clade 2.3.4.4b than clade 2.3.2.1c viruses. All viruses were susceptible to polymerase inhibitors baloxavir and tivoxavir and to polymerase basic 2 inhibitor pimodivir with 50% effective concentrations in low nanomolar ranges. Because drug-resistant viruses can emerge spontaneously or by reassortment, close m...

Abstract We describe introduction of the 2022–2023 Oropouche virus lineage from Brazil , which has caused large-scale outbreaks throughout Brazil , into the Amazon Region of Peru . This lineage is co-circulating with another lineage that was circulating previously. Our findings highlight the need for continued surveillance to monitor Oropouche virus in Peru. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/4/24-1748_article ____

Abstract Background Influenza is a pervasive respiratory infection which disproportionately burdens long-term care residents. To limit outbreaks, guidelines recommend antiviral prophylaxis, particularly oseltamivir or zanamivir , despite acknowledging the inadequate supporting evidence . Therefore, we aimed to review the literature on the efficacy of oseltamivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir prophylaxis for influenza in long-term care. Methods Medline, Embase, PubMed, and several other databases were searched from inception to August 16, 2023. For inclusion, observational studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) had to report influenza-like illness (ILI) or infection rates amongst adult long-term care populations receiving prophylaxis. Outcome values were meta-analyzed as intervention-specific pooled proportions (PPs) and risk ratios (RRs) when applicable. Risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0 and Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results In total, 14 stud...

  Public Domain. Source: WikiArt,  https://www.wikiart.org/en/thomas-cole/the-voyage-of-life-youth-1842-1 _____

Abstract Objective In recent years, there has been increased awareness of the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on adult health, especially in elderly patients. Unlike influenza infection, its presentation and patient outcomes are not well studied. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes in emergency department patients infected by RSV vs influenza. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective study in seven emergency departments (ED) in France . Patients with a laboratory-confirmed RSV or influenza infection in the ED were included between January 2017 and December 2022. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality truncated at day 28. Secondary endpoints included one year occurrence of thrombo-embolic event, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke. Results 3397 patient charts were screened , and 3224 were analyzed. Of these, 551 (17%) patients had RSV-positive PCR, and 2673 (83%) had influenza-positive PCR. Patients with RSV were older (median age 73 vs.68; dif...

Situation at a glance Since the outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) was declared in Uganda on 30 January 2025, and as of 5 March 2025, a total of 14 cases (including 12 confirmed cases and two probable cases) including four deaths (two confirmed and two probable) have been reported.  On 1 March 2025, the Ministry of Health released a press statement confirming the tenth case . The patient was a child under 5 years old who presented and died in the Mulago hospital on 23 February 2025.  As of 5 March, two additional confirmed cases and two probable deaths have been reported that are linked to this case. Both of these cases are currently admitted to treatment facilities.  Eight confirmed cases received care at treatment centres in the capital Kampala and in Mbale and were discharged on 18 February 2025.  As of 5 March 2025, 192 new contacts have been identified and are under follow-up in Kampala, Ntoroko and Wakiso. In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics...

  Antiviral Res PADEY B, Droillard C, Duliere V, Fouret J, et al Host-targeted repurposed diltiazem enhances the antiviral activity of direct acting antivirals against Influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res. 2025 Mar 4:106138. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106138. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis BULLOCK A, Dalton AF, Stockwell MS, McLaren SH, et al Ongoing Symptoms After Acute SARS-CoV-2 or Influenza Infection in a Case-Ascertained Household Transmission Study: 7 US Sites, 2021-2023. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Feb 26:ciaf026. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available SWARTWOOD NA, Cohen T, Marks SM, Hill AN, et al Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB outcomes in the United States: a Bayesian analysis. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Feb 27:ciaf092. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Emerg Infect Dis BI K, Bandekar SR, Bouchni...

  Antiviral Res PADEY B, Droillard C, Duliere V, Fouret J, et al Host-targeted repurposed diltiazem enhances the antiviral activity of direct acting antivirals against Influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res. 2025 Mar 4:106138. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106138. PubMed           Abstract available INOUE A, Ichikawa T, Wada D, Maruyama S, et al M49L and other drug resistance mutations emerging in individuals after administration of ensitrelvir in Japanese clinical settings. Antiviral Res. 2025;236:106118. PubMed           Abstract available UEHARA T, Yotsuyanagi H, Ohmagari N, Doi Y, et al Ensitrelvir treatment-emergent amino acid substitutions in SARS-CoV-2 3CL(pro) detected in the SCORPIO-SR phase 3 trial. Antiviral Res. 2025 Jan 30:106097. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106097. PubMed           Abstract available Biochem Biophys Res Commun IMBIAKHA B, ...

Abstract Since March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have caused outbreaks in dairy cattle and poultry in the United States, and they continue to spill over into humans . However, data on human immune response to those viruses is limited. We report neutralizing antibody responses in 2 dairy farm worker H5N1 cases. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/4/25-0007_article ____

{Excerpt} Time Period: February 23 - March 01, 2025 - H5 Detection :  8 sites ( 1.8% ) - No Detection :  445 sites ( 98.2% ) - No samples in last week :  100 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html ____

The UK Health Security Agency has been informed under the International Health Regulations that an individual travelled to England from Nigeria while they were unwell with Lassa fever at the end of February. The individual returned to Nigeria where they were diagnosed . We are now working to identify people who were in contact with the affected individual while they were in the country. Lassa fever does not spread easily between people and the overall risk to the public is very low . If you have not been contacted by UKHSA then you are very unlikely to have had any exposure to Lassa fever and do not need to take action. Lassa fever causes acute infections which can range from very mild symptoms through to a severe viral haemorrhagic fever. People usually become infected with Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats – present in some West African countries where the disease is endemic. The virus can also be spread between...

 A wild Carrion Crow in Khabarovsk Region. Source:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6304 ____

{England} Commercial turkey fattening unit with 27,658 turkeys. Increased mortality and other clinical signs of HPAI reported. The samples were positive for HPAI H5N1. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6314 ____

 This event will collect the detections made by sampling carried out in 2025. Peregrine falcon , adult male, transmitted to a Centre for the protection of endangered species on 05/02/2025 with nervous symptoms, that died on 06/02/2025. The necropsy was performed at the Wildlife Center for Analysis and Diagnosis. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6316 ____